MEPs approved the new legislation which establishes new targets for collecting and recycling e-waste. According to the new rules, all Member States must increase their collection of e-waste, regardless of whether they already meet the current flat-rate target of 4kg per person per year. In addition, the directive offers consumers new possibilities to return small waste items.

The updated directive on better management of e-waste approved by MEPs, introduces new targets for Member States. By 2016, most will have to collect 45 tonnes of e-waste for every 100 tonnes of e-goods put on sale three years previously. By 2019, this must rise to a rate of 65%, or alternatively they can collect a comparable figure of 85% of e-waste generated. Member States will have 18 months to update their national legislation. The European Parliament demanded better e-waste management and tighter collection and recycling objectives in a resolution approved in February 2011.

In addition, MEPs have successfully argued that consumers should be allowed to return small items (such as mobile phones) to any larger electrical goods shop, without needing to buy a new product. On the other hand, producers of e-goods will continue to contribute financially towards meeting processing targets. They will benefit from simplified registration and reporting requirements and will be able to appoint representatives instead of needing to establish a legal seat in each country where they operate. New measures will prevent double charging of registration fees within Member States.

The new rules will also introduce tighter controls on illegal shipments, to prevent e-waste being processed in countries where conditions are often hazardous to workers and the environment. The burden of proof moves from customs officials to exporters, who must properly demonstrate in future that goods are being shipped for repair or reuse as appropriate.